Julius Caesar background Introduction Julius Caesar was born

Julius Caesar background

Introduction • Julius Caesar was born July 12, 100 B. C. in Rome • He was fairly well educated and from an average family • He began his career as a young patrician by holding military offices and then went on to hold public offices • In 83 BC he married Cornelia and their marriage ended in divorce a few years later—he couldn’t get along with her brother—nearly cost him his life

Biography: • Then in 59 BC he married Calpurnia; she’s his wife during the play

The history: • Shakespeare used the setting of ancient Rome • At this time Rome was made up of 2 political parties: Optimates (aristocratic party) and the Populares (much like our present day Democratic party) • In 60 BC Rome had its first triumvirate— • 3 man rule

History: Caesar –political power Pompey-military power Crassus- wealth Caesar was governor of Gaul present day area of France in 58 BC; he held this office for 10 years. • Then a short time later a civil war broke out in Rome between Caesar and Pompey • The war continued and brought in Pompey’s sons in which Caesar defeated Pompey and his sons • •

The play opens • With Caesar’s victorious return from months of fighting abroad • Many including Pompey feared Caesar was becoming too ambitious • Caesar confirmed some of their fears as he didn’t want to return as a common citizen, but instead he marched his army into Rome and many thought he wanted to take control of the government

As the play opens cont. • But the common people love Caesar and don’t view him as a threat; they want to elect him a ruler which would give him power for 10 years. • Many senators disagree and some are even jealous of Caesar’s power • Rome had not had a king since 509 BC and they had been a republic—which declared all citizens were represented by the senate, so there was much concern with returning to a monarchy.

The play • Shakespeare uses omens, Roman superstitions, and the weather to create ominous settings and to foreshadow key events.